The Wall cover

The Wall

Pink Floyd · 1979

80 min · 26 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · blues rock

A sprawling rock opera that melds haunting melodies with biting social commentary and surreal soundscapes.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night reflections
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Pink Floyd's reputation and mainstream recognition with its themes and success.
Themes
educational oppression· post-war disillusionment· alienation in excess
Career context
Released on November 30, 1979, 'The Wall' marked Pink Floyd's eleventh studio album and was a follow-up to their commercially successful 'Animals'. At this point in their career, the band was navigating internal tensions, particularly with Roger Waters emerging as the primary creative force, leading to a more personal and introspective narrative within the album.
Stylistic neighbors
King Crimson· Yes· Genesis
If this clicks, go next to
The Final Cut — Continues the narrative and emotional depth established in The Wall.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie — Both explore themes of identity and fame through theatrical narratives and rich soundscapes.
OK Computer by Radiohead — Shares the same sense of alienation and social critique within a sprawling, atmospheric rock framework.
Tommy by The Who — Another ambitious rock opera that delves into personal trauma and isolation with a grand sonic palette.
New to Pink Floyd? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "In the Flesh?".

Disc 1

  • 1 In the Flesh? Start here 3:18
  • 2 The Thin Ice 2:28
  • 3 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1 3:41
  • 4 The Happiest Days of Our Lives 1:20
  • 5 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 3:56
  • 6 Mother 5:32
  • 7 Goodbye Blue Sky 2:48
  • 8 Empty Spaces 5:36
  • 9 Young Lust 2:03
  • 10 One of My Turns 1:33
  • 11 Don’t Leave Me Now 4:22
  • 12 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 3 1:17
  • 13 Goodbye Cruel World 1:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Hey You 4:40
  • 2 Is There Anybody Out There? 2:40
  • 3 Nobody Home 3:25
  • 4 Vera 1:38
  • 5 Bring the Boys Back Home 0:50
  • 6 Comfortably Numb 6:49
  • 7 The Show Must Go On 1:36
  • 8 In the Flesh 4:16
  • 9 Run Like Hell 4:22
  • 10 Waiting for the Worms 3:56
  • 11 Stop 0:34
  • 12 The Trial 5:16
  • 13 Outside the Wall 1:42

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Pink Floyd's catalog. Established Pink Floyd's reputation and mainstream recognition with its themes and success.

The Final Cut
Listen next

The Final Cut

1983

Continues the narrative and emotional depth established in The Wall.
Animals (Pink Floyd album)
Go back to

Animals (Pink Floyd album)

1977

Sets the stage with social commentary and thematic exploration.
Full Pink Floyd discography Where to start with Pink Floyd Artists like Pink Floyd
blues rock progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata